Valediction facts for kids

A valediction is a special phrase you use to say goodbye at the end of a letter or email. It's also the act of saying goodbye to someone. The word comes from Latin, where vale dicere means "to say farewell." You usually write a valediction just before your signature in a message. These words often show respect or regard for the person you are writing to.

In the English language, valedictions often include the word "yours," like Yours truly. In the United Kingdom, Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully are very common ways to end a letter.

Saying Goodbye in Letters

What is a Valediction?

A valediction is like a polite closing remark for a written message. Think of it as the "see you later" or "best wishes" part of a letter. It helps you end your message in a friendly or formal way.

Why Do We Use Them?

Valedictions are important because they set the tone for the end of your letter. They show how you feel about the person you're writing to. For example, using a formal valediction shows respect. A more casual one might be for a friend or family member.

Common Ways to End a Letter

There are many different valedictions you can use. Some are very common, while others are used in specific situations.

• Yours truly: This is a classic and polite way to end a letter. It means you are sincerely telling the truth.
• Yours sincerely: This is a very common closing, especially in formal letters.
• Yours faithfully: This is another formal closing, often used in business letters.

When to Use "Yours Sincerely"

You should use Yours sincerely when you know the name of the person you are writing to. For example, if you start your letter with "Dear Mr. Smith," you would end it with Yours sincerely.

When to Use "Yours Faithfully"

You use Yours faithfully when you do not know the name of the person receiving the letter. This happens when you start your letter with a general greeting like "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern."

How Valedictions Have Changed

The way people say goodbye in letters has changed over time. Long ago, people used very long and formal phrases. For example, someone might have written:

I beg to remain, Sir, your most humble and obedient servant,

A. Name

Today, we use much shorter and simpler valedictions. Phrases like Yours sincerely and Yours faithfully are modern and widely accepted. They are still polite but much quicker to write.